Instructors: Mr. McCaskill

Phone: 713-787-1700 Email: SMCCASKI@houstonisd.org

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course is designed for those students who exhibit interest in science, especially chemistry and the nature of matter. Topics included are: mathematics of chemistry, safety, laboratory procedures, elements-compounds-mixtures, atomic theory and structure, and organization of the periodic table, mole concept, chemical bonding, nomenclature, chemical equations, stoichiometry, kinetic theory, gases-liquids-solids-solutions, acids-bases-salts, equilibrium, thermo chemistry, fundamentals of organic chemistry, nuclear chemistry, and career opportunities in chemistry. Additional topics may include: history of chemistry, qualitative chemistry, and research projects.

The course will be aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). It is my goal that this chemistry course will excite, intrigue, inspire, and increase the natural scientific curiosity of the student learner. But above all, it is my desire that the course will foster a new and higher level of thinking and creativity in each individual student.

Materials Required:

·         Mechanical pencils

·         Notebook

·         Eraser

·         Folder for notes and handouts.

 COURSE EXPECTATIONS

A. Testing - Students will be tested on notes, laboratory activities, reading assignments, completed chapters, and after special areas of study. Tests will be given at the end of each chapter of study. The tests will include objective questions, essay questions, and/or TEKS standards. Alternate forms of assessment such as projects books or portfolios may be used to determine developmental progress. Students can expect quizzes, announced or unannounced, which encourage students to remain current in the subject. Some type of formative assessment will happen daily.

B. Assignments and Homework - Students will be assigned homework 3 days out of the week. Class work assignments not completed during class will become additional homework and are due the next day.  

C. Make-up - Make-up work is due no later than the beginning of class on the third day following a tardy or an absence. Extended absences may warrant longer time. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain make-up work from the teacher.  If you are not present during a laboratory exercise, your make up may consist of an alternate assignment to be completed at home.

D. Extra Credit and Enrichment - Extra credit points may be earned only by participating in selected activities assigned and approved by the instructor at his discretion.

E. Notebook and Supplies - Students are required to maintain a separate, neatly organized chemistry notebook. Students are required to bring to class each day: #2 pencils (mechanical preferred), lined notebook paper, chemistry notebook and all handouts

F. Extra Help Opportunities - Your teacher will be available to help you during announced times. Tutorials will be held on Fridays from 3:15 to 4:30 pm and by appointment. If you have plans to attend the tutorials, you are expected to arrive no later than 15 minutes after the start time. If no one shows up by the end of the grace period, the tutorial will be cancelled for that day. Whenever possible, schedule an appointment with your teacher, a day in advance, to allow for more time and better individualized assistance.

GENERAL CLASS BEHAVIOR-

·         To request permission to leave your seat or to speak, raise your hand to be recognized by your instructor.

·         Disruptive class behavior of any nature is not tolerated. Violators will be disciplined accord to policy outlined in the student hand book.

·         Cheating of any nature will earn you a zero point grade on the assignment. No make-up work or extra credit will be assigned to replace points lost by cheating

·         Food, drinks, candy, and chewing gum are strictly forbidden.

·         Students are not allowed to use cell phones while in class. Cell phones must be turned off at all times and kept out of sight.

EVALUATION

A. Criteria for Arriving at Student Grades - The student’s grade will be based on a weighted average with test grades counting 60% and daily grades counting 40%. Quizzes and labs can be designated into either category depending on their importance. The chemistry notebook maybe graded at various announced and unannounced times.

B. Explanation of Student Grades:

90% - 100% Excellent

80% - 89% Above Average

70% - 79% Average

69% and below- Failing

I- Incomplete

C. Grade Reports - Grades will be provided to students on a regular basis to notify students of their progress. Specifically, the teacher will tell the student the current grade in percentage terms. The teacher will also let the student know what he or she could do to improve. Failing grades will be reported to parents.

·         A progress report will be received midway through each six weeks.

·         A minimum of two grades will be recorded per week.

·         Six weeks grades will be reported at the end of a six weeks for classes.

·         Semester grades will be reported at the end of a semester for classes.